Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat sticks to old Nokia phone, stays off social media

The 69-year-old actor made headlines with a rare appearance at a fashion event in Hong Kong on Tuesday evening, where he joined South Korean rapper G-Dragon, actress Carina Lau, and actor Stephen Fung, as reported by Eastweek.

Chow mentioned that he last saw G-Dragon at the 2016 MAMA music awards and joked, "I’ll need to get a picture with him later tonight." When reporters suggested he post the photo online, Chow responded that he doesn’t have Instagram or any social media accounts because he still uses an old Nokia phone.

Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat. Photo from Weibo

Chow expressed little interest in upgrading his phone, preferring to keep a low profile and stay away from the constant news feed, opting instead to "listen to the voice within my soul."

Preparing for a marathon this November, Chow revealed he runs 8-10 kilometers daily, choosing secluded areas to avoid fan attention. He recounted instances when fans shared his running locations, attracting crowds, and asked them to refrain from posting his whereabouts, as he looks "sweaty and terrible" during his runs.

In recent years, Chow has largely stepped back from acting, making occasional public appearances. Fans sometimes spot him hiking or at local eateries, and his active lifestyle has inspired several colleagues, including Carina Lau, Felix Wong, and Michael Miu.

Chow enjoys scuba diving, reflexology, and massage therapy, and has even trained in first-aid for safety. Often seen wearing a well-worn black cap, he’s kept it for over seven years, now faded from the sun.

Chow Yun Fat in a photo with rapper G-Dragon and actress Carina Lau at the Hong Kong Fashion event on Nov. 5, 2024. Photo from Weibo

In a 2018 interview, Chow’s wife shared that she gives him a monthly allowance of HKD800 (US$103), and that his 17-year-old Nokia phone was only replaced after it broke.

Chow, who began his career with TVB in 1974, gained fame through series like "The Bund", "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", and "The Yang’s Saga", and later starred in iconic films like "A Better Tomorrow," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and "God of Gamblers."